21st March 2019

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Suffolk Foster Care Fortnight

Written by , 13th May 2012

Today in Suffolk there are now over 800 children in care, and simply not enough foster carers to help look after them. In an effort to help recruit more carers Suffolk County Councils Fostering Service will be supporting this years ‘Foster Care Fortnight’.

This national campaign led by the Fostering Network provides a great opportunity to help raise the profile of fostering, and reduce the growing deficit. This year Suffolk County Council are aiming to recruit at least 35 new foster carers to help with the growing demand, and hope this campaign will help give their recruitment drive a boost.

Many people unnecessarily rule themselves out of fostering because they think they can not foster for reasons that simply are not true, so this year Suffolk County Council are keen to use Foster Care Fortnight as an opportunity to dispel a few myths and stereotypes surrounding fostering, and help the public understand that it really does take all sorts of people from all walks of life to improve the life chances for Suffolk’s most vulnerable children.

Sue Lowndes Head of Fostering comments, “We believe there is no such thing as a typical foster carer; they come from a number of different backgrounds. Foster carers can be male or female of any sexual orientation, in full time or part time employment or unemployed. They may have their own children or be childless, and come from any race religion or culture. You also don’t need any formal qualifications, as we will provide training and on going support. You do need to be over 21 and have a spare bedroom.”

Suffolk County Council are keen to encourage anyone thinking about fostering to come along to one of their information events and speak to representatives from the Suffolk Fostering Service as well as existing foster carers to find out more.